Brenna Morey uses her platform to inspire confidence and give back
STORY AND PHOTOS by Ricki Spargo
Brenna Morey is accustomed to life in the spotlight. At only 18 years old, she knows how to command a stage. While most teenagers are still figuring out who they are, Brenna speaks with confidence and walks with poise well beyond her years. She is dedicated to using her voice to help the next generation find confidence and courage through the pages of a children’s books.
More than a Crown
The Barton County Electric Cooperative member has competed in pageants from a young age, with her first event being the local pageant in her hometown of Lamar. In 2022, Brenna began seriously competing in pageants. After winning a statewide title, she knew she had to prepare for the national round of competitions. “I worked all summer to start my platform ‘Reader to Leader,’ which emphasizes the importance of literacy to all generations,” says Brenna.
Her love for reading was inspired by her first grade teacher, who unfortunately passed at a young age. Brenna shaped the “Reader to Leader” platform to honor and continue her teacher’s legacy.
“She would let me sit in the back of the classroom and write my own children’s books. I think she could see my passion,” says Brenna. “When I began creating this platform for pageants, I knew I wanted to write a children’s book in her honor.”
Stories with Purpose
Since starting her platform in 2021, Brenna has published three books. Each book features a different cast of characters, all learning how to navigate life and lead with confidence and courage.
“I struggled a lot with finding my own confidence when I was little,” says Brenna. “I wanted to create these books to teach kids how important it is to be confident in who God has created them to be.”
Her first two books, “Liam the Squarefish” and “Hadley the Humble Bee,” were made in collaboration with her older sister, Kara, who created the colorful illustrations.
“Wear Your Crown Positively: How to Shine Your Light from A to Z” is the young author’s third book, which features 26 other pageant title holders from across 10 different pageant systems. “It’s all about how girls from different walks of life can come together for one common cause,” says Brenna. “We really emphasize how important it is to lead with compassion, kindness and how we’ve learned those qualities as title holders.”
Leadership in Action
In 2025, Brenna represented Barton County Electric Cooperative as a delegate on the Missouri Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. “Youth Tour was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. “Being able to spend a week in our nation’s capital, surrounded by incredible young people who are motivated and passionate like I am was so special.”
During her week in D.C., Brenna had the special opportunity to take her books beyond Missouri. She donated them to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which partners with electric cooperatives and fosters a love of reading in children. “I knew I wanted to donate my books on Youth Tour. Being able to give back that way was the perfect opportunity,” she says.
In the coming years, Brenna plans to attend the University of Missouri-
Columbia and pursue a degree in communications and public relations. Her goal is to build on the qualities she’s developed through pageantry and leadership programs.
“Youth Tour was the first time I met so many like-minded, motivated peers. I’m so grateful I could experience that week in such a supportive environment,” Brenna says. “After graduation I want to continue
chasing my big dreams and big goals, just like I encourage readers.”
Follow Brenna’s pageant Instagram page at @brenna_pageants. To learn more about Youth Tour visit moyouthtour.com.
You can email Ricki Spargo at rspargo@ruralmissouri.org.